Nicky Wells proves that happiness "rocks" and has some prizes to give away

Nicky Wells is no stranger to Chick Lit Central! In fact, Melissa A. can proudly say she has read Nicky's "Rock Star Romance" trilogy and you can now check out her review of the latest novel, Sophie's Encore, which will be available starting tomorrow!

Today, Nicky is here to tell us what makes her happy. One of them is quite obvious, given the theme of her books, but the others are a fun surprise! She also has some prizes to give away to a lucky reader anywhere in the world. The giveaway is part of her blog tour, so she will be picking the winner at the end of this month. Also, the Goodreads giveaway for Sophie's Encore is open until tomorrow for readers in the US, Canada and UK! In the meantime, you can visit her at her website, and on Facebook and Twitter. Tomorrow, September 5th, visit her at her website, Facebook and Twitter (#SophiesEncore) to celebrate the launch of Sophie's Encore! (Fun things for you to do while Melissa A. and Amy are in synagogue all day celebrating the Jewish New Year.)

Nicky Wells is your ultimate rock chick author. Signed to US Publisher, Sapphire Star Publishing, Nicky writes "Romance That Rocks Your World," featuring the rock star and the girl next door. (It's no secret that Melissa A. would prefer Jon Bon Jovi to be the cover model of Sophie's Encore, but we can't have our cake and eat it too!)

Born in Germany, Nicky moved to the United Kingdom in 1993 and currently lives in Lincoln. In a previous professional life, Nicky worked as a researcher and project manager for an international Human Resources research firm based in London and Washington, D.C. Like her leading lady, Sophie, Nicky loves listening to rock music, dancing, and eating lobsters. When she’s not writing, she’s a wife, mother, occasional knitter, and regular contributor to "The Midweek Drive" show on Lincoln’s Siren 107.3 FM. Rock on!

My Happy Hit List!

When Melissa A. asked me to write a little feature about the top five things that make me happy, I had a huge smile on my face. What a fantabulous idea! I sat down immediately to get going…and ground to a screeching halt. For, you see, writing would be very high on that list. But then you already knew that, seeing as that I write books, so I figured that would be a bit boring.

Therefore, I bring you my Top Five Things That Make Me Happy (Other Than Writing). Here goes:

1. My family and kids
There’s nothing better than to receive a big beaming smile, get a slobbering kiss or a messy hug, or to hear my children’s excited and delighted laughter, chuckles, or shouts of glee. Honestly, hearing their little happy voices when they’re playing together makes me go weak at the knees. What an honor and a privilege to raise two little monkeys. (I hasten to add… we have our not-so-Kodak-moments, too, just like everyone else).

2. Rock music

That’s hardly a surprise, but it’s true. Listening to good, melodious rock music, be it a power song or a haunting ballad, just makes me ridiculously happy. There’s something about the combination of beat and instruments and powerful vocals that just ‘does it’ for me. It has to have a good tune and some awesome lyrics, though.

3. The seaside
I need my fix of silver and blue, of sun and sand, of crashing of waves on shore or against rocks. The seaside is my go-to place when I feel down, despaired or despondent. I like to sit on a rock and just let my soul dangle—freewheel, like the seagulls—in the fresh air and glittering vistas. The eternal breathing of the surf somehow puts things in perspective and makes things right. (And now you know why Sophie runs where she runs when she…um…well, goes on the run!).

4. Food
*sighs* I love eating. Food is a definite Happy-Thing. Just imagine: a slice of crispy pizza topped with delicious, spicy pepperoni that ooooooozes juice, with lashings of melted cheese and the tickly tang of a pickled chili or three to complement the sensation… *swoons* How could you feel anything but blissed out with a treat like that? Or a succulent lobster, or a bowl of mussels in garlic, cream and white wine sauce mopped up with fresh white bread, still warm from the oven? I think you get the idea. Join me anytime!

5. Fresh bedding
Aha, this got your attention! Uh-huh, there’s nothing quite like slipping under freshly laundered, crisp blankets and duvets. Preferably after having been in the shower and having applied oodles of body lotion for that extra soft skin feeling. Oh and, let’s not forget the fresh pajamas. A perfect sense of well-being. Sleep tight!

And you know what all of this creates, right? Yes, my ultimate feel-happy scenario: The family and I by the seaside listening to rock music, eating delicious food, and climbing into freshly made-up beds. My idea of heaven. What’s yours?

Special thanks to Nicky for visiting with us today and making us smile even more than before! You'll be smiling too, if you win the following gift package:

1 x signed Sophie’s Encore Poster
2 x Sophie’s Encore Mugs
1 x Sophie’s Run Mug
1 x $10 Amazon Gift Voucher (or equivalent currency)
2 x Sophie’s Encore Key Ring
1 x Sophie’s Run Key Ring
2 x “Swag Pack” featuring 2 postcards (1 signed) each for all three Rock Star Romance books, and 2 bookmarks each for Sophie’s Turn and Sophie’s Run


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Open worldwide. Giveaway ends September 30th at midnight BST. Entrants must be 18 or over.